Siddaramaiah ‘sting operation’: Delhi-based man arrested and released on bail

Investigation into the alleged sting operation targeting former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has intensified with the first arrest made on Saturday. The Central Crime Branch (CCB) arrested Delhi-based Ritesh Pandey in connection with uploading the video on social media.

Pandey was instructed to upload the footage by a person associated with the social media team of a regional political party, according to the police. He was brought to Bengaluru on Saturday for questioning, and the phone used to upload the video was seized.

The probe has reportedly revealed that Pandey used a second-hand SIM card and an e-SIM-enabled device to download the video from a pendrive and upload it on social media.

The CCB is examining the seized phone, SIM-related details, and the digital trail to establish how the footage was transferred and circulated.

Who handed over pendrive?

Investigators are now trying to identify the person who handed over the pendrive to Pandey and also establish the role of others. Officials have also summoned several people for questioning based on information reportedly provided by Pandey.

Pandey was produced before a Metropolitan Magistrate Court and granted bail, subject to the condition that he cooperates with the investigation. The offence is punishable with imprisonment of less than seven years, according to the information available in connection with the case.

Earlier, the CCB questioned Rakesh Shetty, head of a private Kannada news channel.

The CCB is continuing its investigation to establish the source of the video, the circumstances under which it was recorded and circulated, and whether other individuals were involved in the alleged sting operation.

Investigators are also examining whether the video was prepared and disseminated as part of a coordinated effort and are seeking to establish the identities and roles of those involved, officials said.